Why the NHS needs over-50s people to come forward and become organ donors

Older people fear their organs aren’t healthy enough – but they could save a life.

Bristol Post reports that elderly people living in Bristol are being urged to donate their organs when they die.

New figures show people aged over 50 are a lot more likely to be able to help those desperately waiting for a transplant. Around 72 per cent of people who died after being referred for potential donation were 50 or over, according to new research by NHS Blood and Transplant.

However, this group is the least likely to sign up to the scheme because they fear their organs are not healthy enough. There are currently 28 people from Bristol waiting for a life-saving transplant.

Sally Johnson, director of organ donation and transplantation for NHSBT, said: “We need more people aged over 50 in Bristol to support donation.”

“People in older age groups can still save and transform lives through organ and tissue donation. Many more lives could be saved by telling their families they want to donate.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to all the families in Bristol who have chosen to say ‘yes’ to organ donation. Organ donation is the only hope for many desperately ill people.”

“We know many families feel a sense of pride and comfort from their decision to save lives through organ donation. We want more people to have that opportunity.”

The annual report also demonstrates how the ageing population means the average age of potential donors is increasing. The typical age of donors in Bristol during the 2017 calendar year was 44.